Who is General Vessey?
 General John W. Vessey, Jr. is a retired four-star General, born and raised in Minneapolis. He fought in World War II and served in both Korea and Vietnam. He was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Ronald Reagan and received the Medal of Freedom from President George H. W.. Bush. General Vessey lives in northern Minnesota and continues to be active in civic affairs and public speaking.
What is JROTC?
JROTC stands for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, which is a leadership curriculum supported by the Federal Government and offered through the Department of Defense. The VLA Army JROTC unit is one of many throughout the country, but one of just a few in the St. Paul area. Our public, full day, co-educational military JROTC program is the only one of its kind in Minnesota.
Can young women apply to VLA?
VLA welcomes all young women interested in joining our Corps of Cadets to develop into leaders of tomorrow.
Why leadership?
A curriculum which emphasizes high academic standards and includes leadership is exactly what Minnesota needs for forming the leaders of our community tomorrow. General John W. Vessey, Jr. serves as our guiding leader. His exemplary service to our nation and community is selfless and built on strong character, tested in both peace and war.
Where is VLA located?
The VLA charter high school is located at 33 E. Wentworth Ave., Suite 100, W. St. Paul, MN 55118. We are approximately 1 block west of the intersections of Robert St. and Wentworth Ave.
What is the school calendar?
Our school calendar coincides with School District 197.
What are the hours of operation?
The school day begins with morning formation at 8:00 am and ends at 2:45 pm. School administration works from 7:30 am to 4:00 PM.
How many students will VLA serve?
VLA opened with 72 students in it's inaugural year (2004-5), and grew each of the next two years (2005-6, 2006-7) to its current size of 120 cadets.
What are the class sizes at VLA?
After reaching our maximum capacity, it is our aim that each class have fifteen (15) to seventeen (17) cadets.
Does VLA charge tuition?
No. VLA is a public school, funded by state revenues. However, we do expect parents to participate in fund-raising activities. Furthermore, certain extracurricular and special programs may require a fee.
What grade levels does General John Vessey Jr. Leadership Academy serve?
VLA is a 9-12 high school, serving students age 14 – 21.
When will VLA start taking applications for enrollment?
We are currently accepting applications in all grades for the 2006-2007 school year. Please see our admissions information page for further details or to download an application.
Do W. St. Paul students get preference for enrollment?
No. Charter schools generally do not maintain areas of geographic preference. Any Minnesota student in high school is eligible to enroll. However, parents or guardians must apply for admission for their child. If enrollment capacity is reached, admission will be limited in the first instance to students given preference by law, and second to students chosen by lottery as required by law. Charter schools are required by law to give sibling preference to families with more than one eligible cadet.
Does VLA have any admission requirements?
The only requirement is a minimum of 9th grade, other than that no geographic admission requirements.
Does VLA have busing?
Transportation is free. VLA issues passes for the MetroTransit system to transport students who live more than two miles from the school.
Who is VLA’s sponsor?
A sponsor holds a charter school financially and academically responsible. We are proud to be sponsored by Concordia University – St. Paul.
Does VLA provide special education services?
Yes. VLA offers the same special education services that are available in any public school.
What kinds of special programs does VLA offer?
The JROTC program is part of every school day and leadership training, physical training and discipline are integrated into the curriculum. General John Vessey Jr. Leadership Academy will offer after-school tutoring programs and various after-school club activities, including a military drill team. The needs of our students will dictate over time which other programs we develop in the future. A highly competitive intramural sports program is being planned.
Are VLA students required to wear uniforms?
Yes, all cadets are required to be in uniform at all times while in school or at learning sites. The uniform policy is strictly enforced and is part of the disciplinary, character-building program. The Federal Government issues the uniforms to each student. So, the JROTC uniforms are supplied at no cost to the cadet.
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